Bedouin Soundclash Charity Gig Shut Down By Police

The police were brought in to shut down a free concert Thursday (October 23) night in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside, where hundreds of people had gathered to see Ontarios Bedouin Sounclash and attend a charity barbeque.

According to a CBC report, more than 100 officers dispersed the concertgoers who had gathered on the 100-block of East Hastings Street for the Bedouin Soundclash show, which was in support of Insite, the citys safe injection site. Police said the organizers and Insite operators, the PHS Community Services Society, didn't have a permit for the event.

"The city had declined a permit that was requested by the group," Const. Jana McGuinness said Thursday night, CBC reports. "The city is concerned that pedestrians or motorists may be unduly put at risk by the event."

In response to the shutdown, PHS spokesman Mark Townsend said the organization should be allowed to put on events such as this one in support of the safe injection site, adding: "It's a demonstration. It's what we are allowed to do. We're allowed to put up tents, and it's all organized."

Despite the heavy police presence, CBC reports there was no violence or arrests made while shutting down the Insite benefit.